Sir Barton Painting Gets Conservation Grant

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame has received a $3,500 conservation grant award from the Lower Hudson Conference of Historical Agencies & Museums for conservation of the 1919 painting Sir Barton by Franklin Brooke Voss. West Lake Conservators of Skaneateles, New York, will treat the painting during 2003. Only 38 of 47 conservation grant proposals from organizations in New York State were funded in 2002, totaling $137,305.

Sir Barton depicts two Hall of Fame members, Sir Barton and jockey John P. Loftus. As America's first Triple Crown winner, Sir Barton is one of the best-known Thoroughbreds of the 20th century. Franklin B. Voss (1880-1953), whose works appear in numerous museums around the United States, is one of America's premier 20th century sporting artists. An
excellent example of Voss's early work, Sir Barton is slated to be a part of a major exhibition in 2005 that examines the artistic accomplishments of one generation of the Voss family.

According to Peter H. Hammell, Museum Director, "Sir Barton by Voss is an integral part of our interpretation of Thoroughbred racing history in America. Future exhibitions both on and off-site will be enhanced by the availability of this important work after it receives conservation treatment."